Gambling and debt: how recovery and financial stability are possible with the right support

If you think your gambling is harming your finances, relationships or other parts of your life, it’s important to be honest about it and talk to someone.

Gambling problems can feel isolating, but you are not alone, and there’s support available.

Statistics highlight just how many people are seeking help. Data published in September showed that registrations to the Money Guidance Service run by the national gambling helpline GamCare, had already surpassed the total for the whole of 2024.

By September 2025, 1,151 people had been referred into the service, compared with 923 across the entire year in 2024.

For many people, gambling can start as an occasional bit of fun but gradually become harder to control, especially when financial pressures or emotional stress are involved.

Warning signs your gambling may be getting out of control

If you’re worried about your gambling, there are some common warning signs to look out for:

• using credit cards, overdrafts or loans to fund gambling
• borrowing money from friends or family to continue gambling
• missing priority bills, such as rent or energy payments
• spending money meant for essentials like food
• lying to loved ones about your gambling
• trying to win back money you’ve lost

If any of these sound familiar, reaching out for help can make a huge difference.

Sam’s story 

Sam’s experience shows how quickly gambling can spiral, but also how recovery is possible with the right support.

She first started gambling around ten years ago and quickly became hooked on the ‘buzz’ it gave her. Over time, she found herself gambling frequently on roulette, often staking £50 at a time, with the money disappearing in minutes.

The losses mounted and eventually Sam built up more than £20,000 in debt, including credit cards and unpaid care home fees.

At her lowest point, she felt completely trapped by the situation.

“I couldn’t pay my rent, I couldn’t pay the bills, and I was scared,” she said.

“… then I slipped into a depression. I took an overdose and someone found me and I got taken to hospital. It was literally just from gambling.”

Her turning point came when she opened up to care staff and was referred for debt advice through Money Wellness.

“I talked to Money Wellness and they went through the process with me. They actually helped me sort it out, as well as the care staff at home. So both sides were joined together and helped me address my financial situation.”

“With Money Wellness, we did an income and expenditure form, and it was written down. Usually, it’s in my head and I’m like, ‘I’ve got roughly this much and roughly that much.’ However, Money Wellness put it down on paper - and I was like, ‘Wow, okay, that’s actually quite a lot of debt. It scared me. So it sort of killed the buzz… and I’ve not gambled since.”

With support and a financial plan in place, Sam says she has not gambled since.

“My life changed in such a positive way,” she said. “I’m not hiding, I’m not keeping secrets. It’s such a relief...”

Her message to others is simple:

“If you have a gambling problem, I urge you just to speak to someone. Making that first step is really hard, but once someone knows, they’re there beside you… it’s the most important step you’ll do.”

If you need help

Like Sam, you don’t have to face gambling-related debt alone.

The NHS provides specialist gambling treatment clinics with psychiatrists and psychologists who can support recovery and treat related mental health issues.

You can refer yourself directly or speak to your GP about local services.

Other organisations that offer free and confidential help include:

• The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) – 0808 8020 133 – gamcare.org.uk
• Betknowmore UK – betknowmore.org
• Gamblers Anonymous – gamblersanonymous.org.uk

If you need immediate help for gambling addiction, you can also:

• use the free GAMSTOP tool to self-exclude from all GB-licensed gambling websites 
• contact GamCare's National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7) or visit their website for more information

At Money Wellness, we offer free, confidential help with debt, and we’ll make sure you get specialist support if gambling has contributed to your money worries.

If gambling is affecting your life, don’t wait, reach out for help.